This is a fun, Tex-Mex kind of place in a perfect location for it. Take it easy on the chips and salsa or you won't have room for the good eats. On a cold winter's day, get yourself inside for some spicy mexican food!

This is a fun, Tex-Mex kind of place in a perfect location for it. Take it easy on the chips and salsa or you won't have room for the good eats. On a cold winter's day, get yourself inside for some spicy mexican food!

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by Salsaman at CitysearchNov 10.

Looking for a change of pace from those stuffy overpriced restaurants in the Pearl?
Santa Fe Tacqueria is the place to unwind, relax, and eat some great Mexican food. The Salsa has been voted the best in town and I can assure you that it still is. Order the Chilled Ceviche served up in a tall Martini glass and you will see why we love this place.

If you like to see and be seen than you will love it here. Check out the pretty girls behind the bar and you will know why they get so much attention.

Hey the Margarita's are not bad either!!!

2

by Salsaman at Citysearch
June 10, 20094Santa Fe Taqueria

Best Salsa & Ceviche in town

★★★★☆

Looking for a change of pace from those stuffy overpriced restaurants in the Pearl?
Santa Fe Tacqueria is the place to unwind, relax, and eat some great Mexican food. The Salsa has been voted the best in town and I can assure you that it still is. Order the Chilled Ceviche served up in a tall Martini glass and you will see why we love this place.

If you like to see and be seen than you will love it here. Check out the pretty girls behind the bar and you will know why they get so much attention.

As already stated by others, this place has a very comfortable relaxed atmosphere and has great food! I'm going to take the tip from one of the other reviewers and try the Mole next! But the fish tacos are devine and the best I have had! If you happen to drop in on a night where the free live music is playing, it just tops off an already great experience.

2

by 397rs at Citysearch
May 21, 20095Santa Fe Taqueria

Fabulous Fish Tacos!!!

★★★★★

As already stated by others, this place has a very comfortable relaxed atmosphere and has great food! I'm going to take the tip from one of the other reviewers and try the Mole next! But the fish tacos are devine and the best I have had! If you happen to drop in on a night where the free live music is playing, it just tops off an already great experience.

This down to earth family owned tacqueria/bar enjoys centre stage on NW 23rd.....grab a burrito & a brew and get a sidewalk table to people watch.....OR.....enjoy a more exotic Ceviche and a cocktail created by one of the friendly bartenders! The eclectic mix of people, young and not so young, neighbors, shoppers, regulars and tourists...make this a fun and happening place that you will return to over and over again. My favorites dishes are the Brazilian wrap and the Ceviche...but then again...I'm always finding something new..............Check out their website for special events and music nights!

2

by chachama at Citysearch
May 20, 20095Santa Fe Taqueria

Awesome relaxed atmoshere.....on 23rd!

★★★★★

This down to earth family owned tacqueria/bar enjoys centre stage on NW 23rd.....grab a burrito & a brew and get a sidewalk table to people watch.....OR.....enjoy a more exotic Ceviche and a cocktail created by one of the friendly bartenders! The eclectic mix of people, young and not so young, neighbors, shoppers, regulars and tourists...make this a fun and happening place that you will return to over and over again. My favorites dishes are the Brazilian wrap and the Ceviche...but then again...I'm always finding something new..............Check out their website for special events and music nights!

Visited this establishment today and found, to my surprise, that it was open Easter Sunday. Easily found right on the corner in the middle a very trendy part of town. Very close to Good Sam's. Authentic Mexican food made from scratch at this location. I had excellent tamales and the Mole' was fantastic. Staff very friendly and outgoing..made me feel at home. Simple decor and warm atmosphere. I would recommend to anyone and look forward to many return visits.

2

by Irishlass4165 at Citysearch
April 12, 20094Santa Fe Taqueria

FantasticMole'

★★★★☆

Visited this establishment today and found, to my surprise, that it was open Easter Sunday. Easily found right on the corner in the middle a very trendy part of town. Very close to Good Sam's. Authentic Mexican food made from scratch at this location. I had excellent tamales and the Mole' was fantastic. Staff very friendly and outgoing..made me feel at home. Simple decor and warm atmosphere. I would recommend to anyone and look forward to many return visits.

Sante Fe is great. I hate most restaurants - waiting on a server, etc. Bleech! Just go in, got down the line and tell them what you want. The guys that serve the food are great + funny if you just don't cop a superior attitude. The small bar area in cozy and very 'at home-like.' Tyler is a sweet heart, and the other two bartenders are top notch too. My only complaint is the service is some times too good. Within seconds of finishing my PBR, there is a new one right there - fill to exactly 1/4" from the top of the glass!

I believe the negative comments are from people who are probably needing/wanting someone to bring them a tablecloth, a menu, and a winelist. This isn't the place for that - get your food, kick back and relax.

2

by noisycow at Citysearch
November 28, 20085Santa Fe Taqueria

Very Comfortable Place to relax

★★★★★

Sante Fe is great. I hate most restaurants - waiting on a server, etc. Bleech! Just go in, got down the line and tell them what you want. The guys that serve the food are great + funny if you just don't cop a superior attitude. The small bar area in cozy and very 'at home-like.' Tyler is a sweet heart, and the other two bartenders are top notch too. My only complaint is the service is some times too good. Within seconds of finishing my PBR, there is a new one right there - fill to exactly 1/4" from the top of the glass!

I believe the negative comments are from people who are probably needing/wanting someone to bring them a tablecloth, a menu, and a winelist. This isn't the place for that - get your food, kick back and relax.

Pros: Service and Food

Cons: Without a doubt - parking. Not so bad in the winter or on weekdays though.

This is in a great location. It is a hip place downtown and they have really great burritos. My favorite is the super burrito which is good enough for two meals and it costs around eight bucks.

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by TheDannyG at CitysearchNov 10.

Close to a year ago a friend turned me from Bloody Marys as my sunday morning brunch drink of choice to Bloody Marias (same thing only tequila replaces the vodka) and I have been searching for the perfect Maria ever since. My search came to an end on 23rd and Kearney at a place called the Sante Fe Taqueria.
I went in with the recommendation that this was a place to get some really good Mexican food for cheap. The service is friendly, down to earth and fast . While Maya was dilligently preparing a delicious Migas from the breakfast menu, she was telling us that she was glad to have Sarah back behind the bar after a brief hiatus. I can completely understand why. I asked for my Maria spicy and I got the most perfectly flavored, spiced and liquored bloody maria that I have ever had (I'm too embarassed to reveal just how many I have tried in the past few months, but let's just say I do have an adequate base to recognize greatness).
So if you're in Portland and you get a hankering for some good Mexican food that won't dig too deep into your pocket, head over to Santa Fe. If you're looking for a good bloody mary (or maria), run there.

2

by TheDannyG at Citysearch
October 15, 20084Santa Fe Taqueria

Best Bloody Marias ever

★★★★☆

Close to a year ago a friend turned me from Bloody Marys as my sunday morning brunch drink of choice to Bloody Marias (same thing only tequila replaces the vodka) and I have been searching for the perfect Maria ever since. My search came to an end on 23rd and Kearney at a place called the Sante Fe Taqueria.
I went in with the recommendation that this was a place to get some really good Mexican food for cheap. The service is friendly, down to earth and fast . While Maya was dilligently preparing a delicious Migas from the breakfast menu, she was telling us that she was glad to have Sarah back behind the bar after a brief hiatus. I can completely understand why. I asked for my Maria spicy and I got the most perfectly flavored, spiced and liquored bloody maria that I have ever had (I'm too embarassed to reveal just how many I have tried in the past few months, but let's just say I do have an adequate base to recognize greatness).
So if you're in Portland and you get a hankering for some good Mexican food that won't dig too deep into your pocket, head over to Santa Fe. If you're looking for a good bloody mary (or maria), run there.

this restaurant is great for mexican food that is healthy too! You can customize your meal at the cafeteria style counter and feel free to add or substitute items in the burritos, tacos, and combo plates. I had the brazillian beef wrap which was grilled in front of me with onions and black beans. Very tasty indeed esp for people who enjoy spicy food! The bar next door also served up a tasty salted margarita, we enjoyed them while sitting outside during the freakish nice weather in late September. Would definitely reccomend this restaurant for a quick healthy lunch or happy hour get together spot.

2

by goducks629 at Citysearch
October 01, 20085Santa Fe Taqueria

great HEALTHY mexican food

★★★★★

this restaurant is great for mexican food that is healthy too! You can customize your meal at the cafeteria style counter and feel free to add or substitute items in the burritos, tacos, and combo plates. I had the brazillian beef wrap which was grilled in front of me with onions and black beans. Very tasty indeed esp for people who enjoy spicy food! The bar next door also served up a tasty salted margarita, we enjoyed them while sitting outside during the freakish nice weather in late September. Would definitely reccomend this restaurant for a quick healthy lunch or happy hour get together spot.

The attitude of those fixing the burritos is horrible. They seem to hate those requesting food from their restaurant and I felt like we were making them go out of their way. On top of that, I asked for a super burrito, but they fixed a regular burrito. At the counter, they said, "okay, 2 regular burritos". I said we had ordered 2 super burritos, so he charged me for 2 supers. I got home and they were small, plain burritos. The guy fixed the burritos, so he should know. I feel bad for tipping him, especially given his horrible attitude.

0

by pdxfoodrocks at Citysearch
August 31, 20081Santa Fe Taqueria

They will fix you one thing and charge for another.

★☆☆☆☆

The attitude of those fixing the burritos is horrible. They seem to hate those requesting food from their restaurant and I felt like we were making them go out of their way. On top of that, I asked for a super burrito, but they fixed a regular burrito. At the counter, they said, "okay, 2 regular burritos". I said we had ordered 2 super burritos, so he charged me for 2 supers. I got home and they were small, plain burritos. The guy fixed the burritos, so he should know. I feel bad for tipping him, especially given his horrible attitude.

This is a nice place to sit outside and and people watch while having a beer. And that's the only positive attribute of this place. For Mexican food, the prices are outrageous and the food isn't very good. The mixed drinks are weak and bartenders seem to be in the wrong business. If you are creative you can put together a main dish by ordering all the componnets as side dishes and putting them together and that will save you a few bucks, but its still a ripoff, and they don't even have full wait service. There are three other Mexican places nearby (four if you count Acapulco Gold) and they are all have much better food. The only thing this place has going for it is the location and outside seating. It would be great if a nicer restaurant took its place.

0

by YipKanker at Citysearch
August 21, 20081Santa Fe Taqueria

Overpriced dogfood, nice outdoor seating

★☆☆☆☆

This is a nice place to sit outside and and people watch while having a beer. And that's the only positive attribute of this place. For Mexican food, the prices are outrageous and the food isn't very good. The mixed drinks are weak and bartenders seem to be in the wrong business. If you are creative you can put together a main dish by ordering all the componnets as side dishes and putting them together and that will save you a few bucks, but its still a ripoff, and they don't even have full wait service. There are three other Mexican places nearby (four if you count Acapulco Gold) and they are all have much better food. The only thing this place has going for it is the location and outside seating. It would be great if a nicer restaurant took its place.

This place is an absolute waste of time and money. For starters, the food is overpriced. Secondly, the refried beans are HORRIBLY bland like they came from a can, thirdly, service is terrible. The thing that I think really is an outrage is that they charge $3 for a tiny cup of salsa (which is the worst salsa I have every had) and the food is so tastelss that it really needs the extra flavor. No self-respecting Mexican taqueria would charge for salsa. I had to beg the guy at the counter not to charge me for some Tapatio so that I could add some flavor to the food. In short, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. My boyfriend and I thought this place would be a great place to sit outside and enjoy the sun and our experience put us both is sour moods. Trust me, Pepinos across the street is a much wiserchoice.

0

by pdxrn at Citysearch
April 15, 20081Santa Fe Taqueria

A disgrace to Mexican food everywhere

★☆☆☆☆

This place is an absolute waste of time and money. For starters, the food is overpriced. Secondly, the refried beans are HORRIBLY bland like they came from a can, thirdly, service is terrible. The thing that I think really is an outrage is that they charge $3 for a tiny cup of salsa (which is the worst salsa I have every had) and the food is so tastelss that it really needs the extra flavor. No self-respecting Mexican taqueria would charge for salsa. I had to beg the guy at the counter not to charge me for some Tapatio so that I could add some flavor to the food. In short, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. My boyfriend and I thought this place would be a great place to sit outside and enjoy the sun and our experience put us both is sour moods. Trust me, Pepinos across the street is a much wiserchoice.

The refried beans tasted like they came from a can. The watery and tasteless Pico de Gallo cost $3 extra. The cashier was disinterested, to put it mildly. Overall, I don't feel the need to waste any more words on a poor, poor meal.

0

by shaggyzulu at Citysearch
April 13, 20081Santa Fe Taqueria

An Underwhelming Burrito

★☆☆☆☆

The refried beans tasted like they came from a can. The watery and tasteless Pico de Gallo cost $3 extra. The cashier was disinterested, to put it mildly. Overall, I don't feel the need to waste any more words on a poor, poor meal.

I was craving Mexican food after a long afternoon of shopping on NW 23rd, so I stopped into Sante Fe. The chili relleno (sp?) was sooo delicious, as well as the black beans and rice. I intended to have leftovers to take home, but instead ate everything on my plate. This place is similar to Maya's Tacqueria on SW 10th & Morrison, or Azteca on NE 15th & Broadway. You place your order with the cashier and go down the line and pick your ingredients and they make it up for you. The cashier was friendly, the place was clean, overall very good service. The only drawback was that the food left me with severe indigestion, but that was my own doing!! : )

I highly recommend this restaurant for top notch Mexican food! Ole!!

2

by kmaul at Citysearch
April 08, 20085Santa Fe Taqueria

Great place for mexican food after perusing Nob Hill!

★★★★★

I was craving Mexican food after a long afternoon of shopping on NW 23rd, so I stopped into Sante Fe. The chili relleno (sp?) was sooo delicious, as well as the black beans and rice. I intended to have leftovers to take home, but instead ate everything on my plate. This place is similar to Maya's Tacqueria on SW 10th & Morrison, or Azteca on NE 15th & Broadway. You place your order with the cashier and go down the line and pick your ingredients and they make it up for you. The cashier was friendly, the place was clean, overall very good service. The only drawback was that the food left me with severe indigestion, but that was my own doing!! : )

This place is aweful. Not Mexican in any respect. The food quality is pretty bad. I know, it's under $10, but even so it's not tasty at all. Porland doesn't really have any great Mexican restaurants. Nothing compared to California. The best place for under $10 in Porland would be La Bonita on Alberta. The only thing I can say good about Santa Fe is that it's a step above the vile Acapulco's Gold which is the worst Tex-Mex that I've ever had. Even that taqueria a 1/2 block down 23rd is better than Santa Fe.

0

by henryadam at Citysearch
September 29, 20071Santa Fe Taqueria

Terrible

★☆☆☆☆

This place is aweful. Not Mexican in any respect. The food quality is pretty bad. I know, it's under $10, but even so it's not tasty at all. Porland doesn't really have any great Mexican restaurants. Nothing compared to California. The best place for under $10 in Porland would be La Bonita on Alberta. The only thing I can say good about Santa Fe is that it's a step above the vile Acapulco's Gold which is the worst Tex-Mex that I've ever had. Even that taqueria a 1/2 block down 23rd is better than Santa Fe.

Not worth it....
If you want to people watch and have the chips & salsa with a margarita then you are all right. When it comes to the food they are on again off again. Sometimes good most times bad and like many of the other posts it is a bit on the high side for what you get.

0

by greenbar at Citysearch
August 26, 20071Santa Fe Taqueria

Go someplace else.

★☆☆☆☆

Not worth it....
If you want to people watch and have the chips & salsa with a margarita then you are all right. When it comes to the food they are on again off again. Sometimes good most times bad and like many of the other posts it is a bit on the high side for what you get.

this place has the best salsa ever! the guys making the food are really helpful and accomodating to special requests. they'll let you taste things before ordering them too. the food at santa fe reminds me of some of the great meals i've had at little taquerias where the locals eat in mexico and central america. and nothing beats people watching from one of the outside tables on a sunny day, drinking an ice cold beer and snacking on chips and salsa!

2

by divalite71 at Citysearch
April 04, 20075Santa Fe Taqueria

nice & spicy

★★★★★

this place has the best salsa ever! the guys making the food are really helpful and accomodating to special requests. they'll let you taste things before ordering them too. the food at santa fe reminds me of some of the great meals i've had at little taquerias where the locals eat in mexico and central america. and nothing beats people watching from one of the outside tables on a sunny day, drinking an ice cold beer and snacking on chips and salsa!

Mexican food should not be as expensive as it is at Santa Fe. The service is poor, the food is less than average... so I will ask my question again. This place is expensive because?? Yes it is on trendy third, but there is another mexican restaurant (cheaper) and a cheap one in the pearl!! Save your appetite, wallet and time for another place.

1

by littleanda at Citysearch
July 29, 20062Santa Fe Taqueria

And this place is high priced because??

★★☆☆☆

Mexican food should not be as expensive as it is at Santa Fe. The service is poor, the food is less than average... so I will ask my question again. This place is expensive because?? Yes it is on trendy third, but there is another mexican restaurant (cheaper) and a cheap one in the pearl!! Save your appetite, wallet and time for another place.

I have eaten here twice before I learned my lesson. The food is on the spendy side. The service is fast food style where I have to order from the counterand pick it up myself. I also seated myself. Actually, I ordered expensive $9 nachos, and I when I kept waiting for my order for some time I found out that it had been forgotten inside the microwave and the employee insisted it was still warm. It wasn't. The food is decent, but very average. Also funny, is the motorcycle guys who rev their bike loudly, possibly to impress the pedestrians. The people watching is great and the atmosphere is alright. This is probably a better meeting place than an actual restaurant

1

by koston08 at Citysearch
May 01, 20063Santa Fe Taqueria

Average experience, above average prices

★★★☆☆

I have eaten here twice before I learned my lesson. The food is on the spendy side. The service is fast food style where I have to order from the counterand pick it up myself. I also seated myself. Actually, I ordered expensive $9 nachos, and I when I kept waiting for my order for some time I found out that it had been forgotten inside the microwave and the employee insisted it was still warm. It wasn't. The food is decent, but very average. Also funny, is the motorcycle guys who rev their bike loudly, possibly to impress the pedestrians. The people watching is great and the atmosphere is alright. This is probably a better meeting place than an actual restaurant

Although you might find "more authentic"/cheaper or spicey in some hole in the wall in N/NE, at Santa Fe,they make real food with fresh ingredients, spices and made by real mexicans (the owner as well). It is downright affordable considering the neighborhood (and real estate), and consistant. Yum! for mole chicken or spicey verde- or great fish tacos-grilled right in front of you. A comfortable/casual place to go on the strip. GREAT place to get a drink, park your butt and people watch in good weather. Diverse crowd hanging out(ethnically speaking) in NW whiteyhood, and not "too cool for school" like some other establishments in the area. REALLY GOOD salsa (nice and spicy-not tomato sauce and veg-supermarket style) and fresh chips. Try a fresh juice cadillac (lime, orange, tequila,gran marnier-YUM!!) That'll get you hoppin.
Mi me gusta!!!

2

by thechumbucket at Citysearch
March 04, 20064Santa Fe Taqueria

Affordable Mex in spendy NW

★★★★☆

Although you might find "more authentic"/cheaper or spicey in some hole in the wall in N/NE, at Santa Fe,they make real food with fresh ingredients, spices and made by real mexicans (the owner as well). It is downright affordable considering the neighborhood (and real estate), and consistant. Yum! for mole chicken or spicey verde- or great fish tacos-grilled right in front of you. A comfortable/casual place to go on the strip. GREAT place to get a drink, park your butt and people watch in good weather. Diverse crowd hanging out(ethnically speaking) in NW whiteyhood, and not "too cool for school" like some other establishments in the area. REALLY GOOD salsa (nice and spicy-not tomato sauce and veg-supermarket style) and fresh chips. Try a fresh juice cadillac (lime, orange, tequila,gran marnier-YUM!!) That'll get you hoppin.
Mi me gusta!!!

Just okay Mexican restaurant. Order your food cafeteria style and go next door to The Office for a major margarita to complement your meal. The food is priced a little high, perhaps to accommodate to the NW 23rd St. crowd. Sit outside at the picnic tables if you can find an empty one. Good atmosphere, mediocre food

Just okay Mexican restaurant. Order your food cafeteria style and go next door to The Office for a major margarita to complement your meal. The food is priced a little high, perhaps to accommodate to the NW 23rd St. crowd. Sit outside at the picnic tables if you can find an empty one. Good atmosphere, mediocre food

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by portlandrockcity at CitysearchNov 10.

Although food and drinks are pricey, the bartenders make up for it with their great banter and drinks. The best bar to meet people at because its NOT A MEAT MARKET! You can meet lots of people because there's such an easy going vibe.

2

by portlandrockcity at Citysearch
September 05, 20045Santa Fe Taqueria

Awesome Drinks

★★★★★

Although food and drinks are pricey, the bartenders make up for it with their great banter and drinks. The best bar to meet people at because its NOT A MEAT MARKET! You can meet lots of people because there's such an easy going vibe.

Santa Fe, Yes they do serve a great Big magarita, but thier food will cost you a rather bigger fortune. How this American Taqueria made your list of cheap eats? Puzzles me and I'm sure many I know. With burrittos costing $5.50 to $8.00, I highly recommend one of the Alberta street alternatives.

1

by derekhski at Citysearch
September 03, 20023Santa Fe Taqueria

Not so Cheap or Big

★★★☆☆

Santa Fe, Yes they do serve a great Big magarita, but thier food will cost you a rather bigger fortune. How this American Taqueria made your list of cheap eats? Puzzles me and I'm sure many I know. With burrittos costing $5.50 to $8.00, I highly recommend one of the Alberta street alternatives.

After a long hike in Forest Park, we were very hungry and decided to try the Santa Fe Taqueria to quench our thirsts and appetites. We both got the Super Burrito, and while the food was ok, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. I actually found myself thinking "where's the beef" because it was hard to find the meat with all the rice and beans in the burrito. Nothing in the spices or flavor stood out either, very bland in our opinion. I think maybe the price was a little too high as well, $7.50 per burrito seemed a little high. $5.50 would be more like it.

The bar is small, but has a decent selection of beers. We didn't try the margaritas, but lots of people were sucking them down around us if that means anything!

1

by both_of_us at Citysearch
August 11, 20023Santa Fe Taqueria

Ok, but nothing to brag about

★★★☆☆

After a long hike in Forest Park, we were very hungry and decided to try the Santa Fe Taqueria to quench our thirsts and appetites. We both got the Super Burrito, and while the food was ok, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. I actually found myself thinking "where's the beef" because it was hard to find the meat with all the rice and beans in the burrito. Nothing in the spices or flavor stood out either, very bland in our opinion. I think maybe the price was a little too high as well, $7.50 per burrito seemed a little high. $5.50 would be more like it.

The bar is small, but has a decent selection of beers. We didn't try the margaritas, but lots of people were sucking them down around us if that means anything!

My girlfriend from Austin and is jonesing for a great margarita. From this web's suggestion and the fact we frequent 23rd we dropped in. The place was kind of, well, gross. We went into the bar and edged our way to a table amongst some real drunkards. I never blame the place for the customers but have to admit the food and bar draw in college kids and some other deviants of society. The food- cafeteria style gone bad. We didn't even finish the food. Just no flavor. The margaritas were fair and the bartender was busy but friendly. The "friendly barmaids" were no where to be seen. One angry looking woman may have been a waitress or just employed to ignore patrons. Not sure. All in all, ok for drinks, pass on the food and great location. Much potential, but just not that good in my eyes.

1

by shaft28 at Citysearch
June 27, 20022Santa Fe Taqueria

So much potential, but let down

★★☆☆☆

My girlfriend from Austin and is jonesing for a great margarita. From this web's suggestion and the fact we frequent 23rd we dropped in. The place was kind of, well, gross. We went into the bar and edged our way to a table amongst some real drunkards. I never blame the place for the customers but have to admit the food and bar draw in college kids and some other deviants of society. The food- cafeteria style gone bad. We didn't even finish the food. Just no flavor. The margaritas were fair and the bartender was busy but friendly. The "friendly barmaids" were no where to be seen. One angry looking woman may have been a waitress or just employed to ignore patrons. Not sure. All in all, ok for drinks, pass on the food and great location. Much potential, but just not that good in my eyes.